Drain filter apparatus to capture hair and debris

ABSTRACT

A filter apparatus mounted to a drain is provided. The drain includes an upper opening extending to an inlet of a pipe. The filter apparatus collects hair and permits water to flow through into the drain. The apparatus includes a grate coupled to the drain&#39;s upper opening and has a central opening and a plurality of openings, and a trap assembly with an upper plug coupled to the grate&#39;s central opening and a rod with a first end continuously connected to the upper plug and a second end extending into the drain. The trap assembly includes a filter member disposed around the rod and positioned above the inlet of the pipe. The apparatus permits water to pass through the grate&#39;s openings and filter member for entry into the pipe&#39;s inlet for an evacuation. The apparatus permits hair to pass through the grate&#39;s openings and collect on the filter member.

BACKGROUND

The embodiments herein relate generally to drains in showers or sinks.More specifically, embodiments of the invention are directed to a drainfilter apparatus that captures hair and debris, and prevents these itemsfrom clogging the drain pipe.

Hair clogs in shower drains frustrate many home owners. Shed hair flowsthrough the holes of commonly used shower grid covers, which aredisposed on the openings of sewage pipe entrances. Once assembled, theshower grid cover is positioned flush with the shower stall floor. Hairslowly accumulates in the P-trap, which is the U-shaped dip in thedrainage pipe that holds water and prevents sewage gas from entering theshower room. Over time, the hair accumulated in the drain creates aclog. The location of the P-trap deep within the drainage pipe is hardto reach, thereby making it difficult for homeowners to remove the clog.

Several solutions for clearing clogs within the drainage pipe exist, buthave several disadvantages. Many homeowners pour chemicals such as Dranoor Liquid-Plumr down the drain. These corrosive gels or thick liquidsreach the clog and dissolve the hair clog, making this solution simpleand convenient. However, these chemical solutions contain ingredientssuch as sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid, which can be extremelycorrosive to pipes when used frequently.

As such, individuals often resort to more environmentally friendlysolutions that are gentle on drainage pipes to capture hair and/ordebris. For example, a shower strainer comprising a metal mesh basketcan be disposed on top of a shower grid. However, these shower strainersare ineffective because the holes in the mesh basket are large enough topermit hair to pass through. Although shower strainers do block somehair, these devices only slow down the process until the shower draineventually clogs.

The Drain Wig by Allstar Innovations is a hair trapping devicecomprising a chain disposed within the drainage pipe. The chaincomprises a plurality of hooks that catch hair passing within thedrainage pipe, which forms a ball of hair. Pulling the chain out of thedrain removes the hair accumulated on the hooks out of the drainagepipe. However, the Drain Wig trapping device permits some hair to passby and travel deep into the drainage pipe before the ball of hair formson the chain's hooks. As a result, hair can still collect deep withinthe drainage pipe and cause a clog with use of the Drain Wig device.

The Danco Hair Catcher is a debris catching apparatus comprising abasket and grid assembly disposed within the drain and positioned flushwith the shower stall floor. However, this apparatus is limited becausehair can still pass through openings in the basket assembly and travelinto the drainage pipe. Further, the user is required to scoop out thehair captured within the basket, which is burdensome and unhygienic.

The drain strainer, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,518, comprises ahair catcher with a plurality of protuberances on an outside cylindricalsurface that is attached to a shower grid. Fundamentally, this design isan improvement of the earlier mentioned prior art, in which the metalmesh basket is used to catch hair. In contrast, this device ispositioned below the shower floor to avoid obstruction. However, thesingle-walled catcher of this device still allows hair to pass through.In addition, this drain strainer does not have a convenient means ofremoval and the stiff, cylindrical material of the device does notretrofit to most shower drains. Furthermore, removing the hair and/ordebris from the drain strainer is difficult and unpleasant.

As such, there is a need in the industry for a filter apparatus for usein a drain that addresses the limitations of the prior art, which moreeffectively captures hair and/or debris to prevent clogs in the drainagepipe while permitting water to pass through the apparatus unobstructed.In addition, millions of homes come with ineffective shower grids;hence, the market has a demand for a filter apparatus that isretrofittable to an existing shower floor, such that no modifications tothe existing shower floor are necessary. In addition, there is a needfor the filter apparatus to be a permanent solution that seamlesslyintegrates into the existing shower floor.

SUMMARY

A filter apparatus with enhanced strength mounted to a drain isprovided. The drain comprises an upper opening extending to an inlet ofa pipe, the filter apparatus configured to collect hair and permit waterto flow therethrough for an entry into the drain. The filter apparatuscomprises a grate coupled to the upper opening of the drain andcomprises a central opening and a plurality of openings, and a trapassembly comprising an upper plug coupled to the central opening of thegrate and a rod comprising a first end continuously connected to theupper plug and a second end extending into the upper opening of thedrain, the trap assembly comprising a filter member disposed around therod and positioned above or into the inlet of the pipe, wherein thefilter apparatus is configured to permit water to pass through theplurality of openings in the grate and filter member of the trapassembly, thereby permitting entry of the water into the inlet of thepipe for an evacuation, wherein the filter apparatus is configured topermit hair to pass through the plurality of openings in the grate andcollect on the filter member, thereby preventing entry of the hair intothe inlet of the pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention will bemade below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein thefigures disclose one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a top plan view of certain embodiments of the filterapparatus shown in use;

FIG. 2 depicts a sectional view of certain embodiments of the filterapparatus taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of certain embodiments of the filterapparatus; and

FIG. 4 depicts a section view of certain embodiments of the filterapparatus taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

As depicted in FIGS. 1-3, filter apparatus 10 is configured for use witha drain in a location such as a shower stall to collect hair and/ordebris and prevent their entry into the drain. In one embodiment, thedrain comprises an upper opening in shower floor 12 that connects todrainage pipe 34. The interior of the drain comprises seat 32, whichsupports filter apparatus 10 above or into the inlet of pipe 34. Incertain embodiments, filter apparatus 10 generally comprises grate 14and trap assembly 18.

Grate 14 is a generally rigid cover member with central opening 29 and aplurality of openings 16 disposed throughout the grate. As depicted inFIGS. 2-4, grate 14 is coupled to the upper opening of the drain bymechanical fasteners such as screws 24. Openings 16 in grate 14 permitwater, hair and other debris to pass through. Grate 14 may be made fromvarious materials known in the field including, but not limited to,metal, plastic, rubber or other materials.

Trap assembly 18 is coupled to central opening 29 in grate 14 andgenerally comprises upper plug 20, rod 26, ball nose 28 and filtermember 30. Rod 26 comprises a first end continuously connected to upperplug 20 and a second end continuously connected to ball nose 28. Upperplug 20, rod 26 and ball nose 28 may be made from materials including,but not limited to, stainless steel, other metals, plastic, rubber orother materials.

Filter member 30 is a generally cylindrical member disposed around rod26 and comprises a mesh network of a plurality of wires intertwined witheach other, which are configured to catch hair and/or debris. In oneembodiment, each wire of the plurality of wires comprises an approximatediameter within the range of 1-5 millimeters. In one embodiment, filtermember 30 comprises a sponge pad such as a Scotch-Brite PlasticScrubbing Pad, Scotch-Brite Copper Coated Scrubbing Pad, or similar-typepad. In an alternative embodiment, filter member 30 is a sponge member.

Ball nose 28 is a spherical member at the end of rod 26 that helps toretain filter member 30 thereon. Ball nose 28 prevents filter member 30from inadvertent detachment from rod 26 of trap assembly 18. In oneembodiment, flexible inner liner 36 is disposed around rod 26 andpositioned between rod 26 and filter member 30. Flexible inner liner 36is a sleeve made from a material such as fabric or other material, whichpermits a user to more easily slip filter member 30 on and off rod 26 oftrap assembly 18 as desired. This is beneficial for when filter member30 needs to be removed and replaced.

In operation, filter apparatus 10 is coupled to the upper opening of thedrain as depicted in FIGS. 1-2 and 4. Specifically, grate 14 is fastenedto the upper opening of the drain by screws 24 so that grate 14 remainsflush with shower floor 12. Trap assembly 18 is coupled to grate 14 byinserting ball nose 28, rod 26 and filter member 30 inside the upperopening of the drain so that upper plug 20 engages with central opening29 of grate 14.

Upper plug 20 may be secured to central opening 29 of grate 14 by avariety of connections. In a preferred embodiment, upper plug 20comprises a series of threads that engages with a corresponding seriesof threads along the side wall of central opening 29 in grate 14. Upperplug 20 can be rotated in opposite directions to tighten or loosen trapassembly 18 from central opening 29 of grate 14. In one embodiment, thetop surface of upper plug 20 comprises notch 22. A tool such as ascrewdriver, coin or other coin-shaped device can be disposed withinnotch 22 to help a user to rotatably adjust upper plug 20 of trapassembly 18 relative to grate 14.

In an alternative embodiment, a low-profile handle or knob is coupled tothe top surface of upper plug 20. This replaces the need for notch 22 onupper plug 20. In this embodiment, the user grabs the handle or knob totwist trap assembly 18 as needed. In an alternative embodiment, upperplug 20 of trap assembly 18 can be secured to central opening 29 ofgrate 14 by a snap-fit frictional connection or a magnetic connection.In this embodiment, trap assembly 18 is pushed or pulled from centralopening 29 of grate 14 as needed.

In the assembled configuration, filter member 30 is disposed on seat 32and fills up the entire upper opening of the drain. As a result, allwater, hair and/or debris that passes through openings 16 in grate 14reach filter member 30 prior to reaching the inlet of pipe 34 in thedrain. Any water present continues to flow through filter member 30 andinto the inlet of pipe 34. Hair and/or debris present weave through theplurality of wires of filter member 30 and become entangled thereon. Asa result, filter member 30 of trap assembly 18 collects the hair and/ordebris and prevents their entrance into the inlet of pipe 34. Thisprevents clogs within pipe 34 caused by the accumulation of hair and/ordebris. Over time, a user can detach trap assembly 18 from grate 14 whenthe accumulation of hair and/or debris thereon requires filter member 30to be replaced.

Filter apparatus 10 is advantageous because the device more effectivelycaptures hair and/or debris compared to prior art devices. As a result,filter apparatus 10 effectively prevents clogs in the drainage pipewhile permitting water to pass through the apparatus unobstructed.Filter apparatus 10 can be easily installed in drains commonly found inshower stalls. The components of filter apparatus 10 can be easilyremoved from the drain and replaced as needed. The design is adaptableto any existing shower grid by changing the grid shape and boltingpattern, and filter apparatus 10 is a flexible material that conforms tothe shape of the pipe.

It shall be appreciated that the components of filter apparatus 10described in several embodiments herein may comprise any alternativeknown materials in the field and be of any color, size and/ordimensions. It shall be appreciated that the components of filterapparatus 10 described herein may be manufactured and assembled usingany known techniques in the field.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous designconfigurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of theinventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations andarrangements of embodiments of the present invention, the scope of theinvention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather thannarrowed by the embodiments described above.

What is claimed is:
 1. A filter apparatus with enhanced strength mountedto a drain, the drain comprising an upper opening extending to an inletof a pipe, the filter apparatus configured to collect hair and permitwater to flow therethrough for an entry into the drain, the filterapparatus comprising: a grate coupled to the upper opening of the drainand comprising a central opening and a plurality of openings; and a trapassembly comprising an upper plug coupled to the central opening of thegrate and a rod comprising a first end continuously connected to theupper plug and a second end extending into the upper opening of thedrain, the trap assembly comprising a filter member disposed around therod and positioned above the inlet of the pipe; wherein the filterapparatus is configured to permit water to pass through the plurality ofopenings in the grate and filter member of the trap assembly, therebypermitting entry of the water into the inlet of the pipe for anevacuation, wherein the filter apparatus is configured to permit hair topass through the plurality of openings in the grate and collect on thefilter member, thereby preventing entry of the hair into the inlet ofthe pipe.
 2. The filter apparatus of claim 1, wherein the trap assemblyfurther comprises a spherical member continuously connected to thesecond end of the rod, the spherical member configured to contact thefilter member to prevent detachment of the filter member from the rod.3. The filter apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an inner sleevedisposed around the rod and positioned between the rod and filtermember.
 4. The filter apparatus of claim 3, wherein the filter membercomprises a plurality of wires intertwined together.
 5. The filterapparatus of claim 4, further comprising a notch disposed in a topsurface of the upper plug.
 6. The filter apparatus of claim 5, whereinthe upper plug of the trap assembly is detachably coupled to the centralopening of the grate by a threaded connection.
 7. The filter apparatusof claim 5, wherein the upper plug of the trap assembly is detachablycoupled to the central opening of the grate by a magnetic connection. 8.A filter apparatus with enhanced strength mounted to a drain, the filterapparatus configured to collect hair and permit water to flowtherethrough for an entry into the drain, the drain comprising an upperopening extending to an inlet of a pipe and a grate with a plurality ofopenings coupled to the upper opening of the drain, the filter apparatuscomprising: a trap assembly comprising an upper plug coupled to thegrate and a rod comprising a first end continuously connected to theupper plug and a second end extending into the upper opening of thedrain, the trap assembly comprising a filter member disposed around therod and positioned above the inlet of the pipe; wherein the filterapparatus is configured to permit water to pass through the plurality ofopenings in the grate and filter member of the trap assembly, therebypermitting entry of the water into the inlet of the pipe for anevacuation, wherein the filter apparatus is configured to permit hair topass through the plurality of openings in the grate and collect on thefilter member, thereby preventing entry of the hair into the inlet ofthe pipe.
 9. The filter apparatus of claim 8, wherein the trap assemblyfurther comprises a spherical member continuously connected to thesecond end of the rod, the spherical member configured to contact thefilter member to prevent detachment of the filter member from the rod.10. The filter apparatus of claim 9, further comprising an inner sleevedisposed around the rod and positioned between the rod and filtermember.